By the time they reached Max's home, the warm light from inside was already spilling into the street. The front door slid open with a quiet hiss, and they stepped in, leaving the soft hum of the city behind.
Gwen immediately flopped onto the nearest couch, stretching out her legs with an exaggerated groan. "Damn… that was less a walk and more a marathon," she complained, rubbing her calves. "I'm definitely feeling this tomorrow."
Max set the small bag he was carrying on the low table and glanced at her. "You're strong enough to take down a small army without leaving your seat," he said evenly, "but walking makes your legs sore?"
She grinned and stuck her tongue out. "Power is one thing, Max. Heels are another."
Rize chuckled softly, slipping off her own shoes before curling into an armchair. "She's not wrong. This city doesn't believe in short streets."
Lan Xue had already moved into the kitchen, filling a kettle with water. Mu Qing followed her, pulling cups and tea packets from the cupboard. The two moved in perfect sync, clearly used to the space even if it wasn't their permanent home.
Malaika leaned against the back of the couch, crossing her arms. "Admit it—it was worth it. The courtyard, the market… you don't see that every day."
Gwen gave a half-shrug while still massaging her legs. "Yeah… it was nice. Doesn't mean I'm not wearing flats next time."
Max settled into a chair, the faintest smile on his lips as the kettle started to hum in the background. "Next time, we'll pace it better."
"That's what you said last time," Gwen shot back.
"That was before I saw you try to negotiate peace with a cup of tea and a pillow," he replied, deadpan.
A moment later, Lan Xue returned with the tea, setting the tray on the table. Steam curled upward, carrying the soft scent of herbs and something floral. Everyone reached for a cup, and conversation faded into a comfortable silence as they drank.
Outside, the city lights shimmered through the wide windows, their glow reflecting faintly on the floor. Inside, the air was warm, the day's exhaustion settling into that pleasant ache you only got from exploring somewhere worth seeing.
After some rest, the group decided it was time to return to Earth. Their friends were still there, and Max thought it was better to check in before too much time passed.
But as they stepped into his living room, Max froze mid-stride.
Someone was already sitting on his couch.
"Tony Stark," Max said slowly, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"
Tony leaned back casually, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through something on a floating holographic screen. "Nothing major," he replied without looking up. "Just thought I'd drop by. I've been here for a while now."
"A while?" Max asked, walking over to sit across from him. "You mean here—waiting?"
"Yep. Right here," Tony said with a nod. "By the way, nice décor. Feels very… mysterious interdimensional bachelor."
Max smirked faintly. "Glad you approve. I was out—with them." He tilted his head toward Lan Xue, Mu Qing, Rize, Malaika, and Gwen, who were quietly unpacking in the background.
Tony finally closed the hologram. "So… this Ninth Planet of yours—what kind of place is it?"
"What do you mean?" Max asked, though he already had an idea.
"I mean—is it science-based, magic-based, or whatever you're calling your powers these days?" Tony gestured vaguely. "You've got this… toolbox that doesn't fit into any one category."
Max leaned back, thinking. "Call it science—with some sci-fi mixed in. A blend of physics and the occasional impossible trick."
Tony grinned knowingly. "Figures. And you took some tech from them, didn't you? Don't tell me you came back empty-handed. If this is the same place you once called a 'star-fused realm,' I expect souvenirs."
Max didn't answer—just gave him a calm, unreadable look.
Tony leaned forward. "Well, Fury called me. He wants a ship that can reach the Ninth Planet in record time. I can build it, sure—but we both know you can do it faster. So, I came here to see if you'd share a little of your world's tricks."
Max nodded once. "Then just say it. No need to wrap it in small talk."
Tony smirked. "I thought you were keeping this kind of thing secret."
"Why would I?" Max asked.
Tony gave him a pointed look. "Because you're the kind of guy who can toss a planet around like a baseball. People like that usually keep their cards close."
Max just shrugged. "Tell Fury to have a thousand men ready. We'll head to the Ninth Planet—Horizon—soon."
"Horizon, huh?" Tony repeated. "Cool name."
He stood up, pulling out his phone. "Alright. And I'm bringing Pepper with me. Make sure you save us two seats."
"And bring the other Avengers too," Max added casually.
Tony chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, big guy. I'll make the call."
"You're going to bring them to Horizon?" she asked.
Max nodded. "I will let them settle there as nomads. The kind who hop from one city to another, always on the move—so even if they come out of one need period, they won't be noticed."
They nodded, and then Gwen added, "I wonder if S.H.I.E.L.D. will have cyberschosis one day."
Max laughed. "Maybe they can handle it."
They all just smiled, knowing that Fury would be in for quite the shock if he saw the state of Horizon—where people were now half-robot with cybernetic implants.
Rize leaned back against the couch, a thoughtful look on her face. "If Fury walks into Horizon without warning, he might think he's stepped straight into a cyberpunk movie."
Lan Xue poured herself another cup of tea. "He'll adapt. Humans always do—especially the ones in positions of power. The question is whether they'll respect the culture there or try to 'improve' it."
Max's expression hardened just slightly. "If they try to force changes, Horizon will push back. That world is… independent, and it doesn't take kindly to outsiders deciding what's best for them."
Malaika smirked faintly. "So basically, Fury's walking into a place where a street vendor might have more hidden weapons than an Avenger."
***
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It's 22 chaps ahead